Artificial filament fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.7 million of artificial filament fabric in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 12% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $12.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $7.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $10.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $12.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $9.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $5.5M | 1.0K t |
Where South Africa imports artificial filament fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 96% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.4M | 96% |
| India | $64K | 1.1% |
| Eswatini | $53K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $48K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $21K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $21K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $13K | 0.2% |
| Sri Lanka | $12K | 0.2% |
| Indonesia | $7K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $3K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5408
| 5408.10 | Fabrics, woven: of viscose rayon, high tenacity, artificial filament yarn | 35% |
| 5408.32 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, of artificial monofilament, strip and the like, n.e.c. in heading no. 5408, dyed | 31% |
| 5408.22 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial filament, strip or the like, dyed | 24% |
| 5408.34 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, of artificial monofilament, strip and the like, n.e.c. in heading no. 5408, printed | 5% |
| 5408.24 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial filament, strip or the like, printed | 4.7% |
| 5408.33 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, of artificial monofilament, strip and the like, n.e.c. in heading no. 5408, of yarns of different colours | 0.7% |
| 5408.31 | Fabrics, woven: of artificial filament yarn, of artificial monofilament, strip and the like, n.e.c. in heading no. 5408, unbleached or bleached | 0% |
| 5408.23 | Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of artificial filament, strip or the like, of yarns of different colours | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5408.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.54 per kg, 70% below the world average of $11.72, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Artificial filament fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.4 million of artificial filament fabric in 2024 (190 tonnes). Eswatini alone took 76% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+191% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 76% |
| Botswana | $115K | 8.2% |
| Lesotho | $101K | 7.2% |
| Namibia | $59K | 4.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 4% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $3K | 0.2% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.2% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5408: Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404.
Common questions
What is the value of artificial filament fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported artificial filament fabric worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 196 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply artificial filament fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($5.4 million), followed by India (1%) and Eswatini (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average import price of artificial filament fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.54 per kg in 2024, 70% below the world average of $11.72 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of artificial filament fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.5 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, an increase of 3%. The peak was 2019 at $12.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export artificial filament fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for artificial filament fabric?
The HS code for artificial filament fabric is heading 5408. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5408.10 (35% of the value) and 5408.32 (31%). It sits in HS chapter 54 (man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5408 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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